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Top River Rafting Trips In Colorado

June 22, 2013 6:00 AM

(credit: CBS)

(credit: Chad Chisholm)

Family float trips and expert top-of-the-class rapids permeate Colorado’s whitewater river rafting adventures. With recent snowfall and high country rain, the rivers beckon adventurers with every taste for the water. Upscale offerings and classic raft trips can be found throughout the state. We bring you the top river rafting trips in Colorado.

Running the Arkansas River in the Buena Vista area, this family-owned business is a wonderful whitewater rafting option. Half- or full-day trips are available, with a catered lunch riverside for full-day goers; steak and salad, grilled chicken and dessert—who could ask for more in a rafting trip? Traversing through Browns Canyon on the scenic Arkansas River, knowledgeable guides make for a wonderful family excursion through the “Numbers” rapids and cliff jumping will leave everyone in your raft grinning ear to ear.

Hailing out of the Glenwood Springs area, Whitewater Rafting, LLC has been offering adventures since 1974. Traversing the Shoshone rapids in the Glenwood Canyon on the Colorado River, this whitewater company offers several trip variations, including half-day, full-day, short, extreme and private trips. The nine-time winner of Best Rafting Company, Whitewater Rafting affords guests private lockers, an exclusive private boat ramp load-in and free pet kennel for Fido while you’re on the river.

For whitewater rafters who want to mix in a little zip lining, Breckenridge Whitewater Rafting is the answer. Offering trips on the Arkansas, Colorado and Eagle Rivers as well as Clear Creek, float trips and rapid riding are available through this high-country company. Offering zip line tours, rock climbing, horseback riding, jeep tours, fly fishing, hiking and mountain biking, this company offers it all for altitude-enthused adventurers.

Located near Idaho Springs, this whitewater company takes guests down both Clear Creek and Arkansas River. Perfect for all ages and abilities, Clear Creek Rafting Company navigates everything from technical rivers to float trips. Offering river goers a free CD with all trips, the memories made on the river are yours for a lifetime and included in your package. Free wetsuits are also included on all trips.

Four- and five-day trips available through O.A.R.S. will leave you spellbound in Dinosaur National Monument near the state boarder. Enjoying class III to IV rapids, the itinerary leads guests through scenic vistas, wild rapids, hikes and historic tours of the area. Featured in National Geographic, the journey through the Red Canyon’s views of the oldest exposed rock formations in the world is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Chad Chisholm is an avid globetrotter and brings the best of travel secrets and expert insights to his readership. A Denver-based travel writer and photographer, Chad’s travels have taken him to five of the seven continents in a passionate love affair with the world of travel and the outdoors. His work can be found at Examiner.com.